Slightly altering how you donate your time or money boosts the real benefits to the organizations you support.

By Leigh Newman

Photo: Thinkstock

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Celebrate the Holidays by Not Volunteering

We all want to help out when the whole world—meter maids and landlords included—feels infused with joy and gratitude. This is why soup kitchens and retirement homes are overrun with volunteers during Thanksgiving and the December holidays. Consider lending a hand during slower, lonelier times instead, like January (the stay-at-home month) or the summer (the travel and beach season), when your energy and efforts will be most appreciated.